LeBron James didn’t just lose Game 5 — he caught strays from Charles Barkley too.
After the Timberwolves sent the Lakers packing with a 103–96 win in Game 5, TNT’s Charles Barkley unloaded on everyone in purple and gold — including LeBron, Luka, and the front office that built around them.
“LeBron had nothing tonight. He was just settling for jumpers. Went to the basket a couple times. When a guy does that, it’s fatigue.”
“He don’t play defense anymore. Luka can’t guard a chair. You’d need Wilt, Kareem, and Bill Russell back there to protect the rim!”
Barkley Shreds the Small-Ball Strategy
Barkley didn’t stop with the players. He blasted head coach JJ Redick for playing small ball against Minnesota’s towering front line of Rudy Gobert (27 pts, 24 reb) and Julius Randle (23 pts).
“You can’t put all those little guys out there… it’s too much for a 40-year-old.”
With Jaxson Hayes unavailable and no real replacement after Mark Williams failed his physical, the Lakers had zero answers in the paint — and Barkley wasn’t shy about saying it.
The Fatigue Factor Is Real — and So Is the Decline
While LeBron still put up 22 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds, Barkley argued that the style of play tells the real story: too many jumpers, not enough rim pressure, and no impact on defense.
The Lakers gave up a 54–37 rebounding edge and just 16 fourth-quarter points, falling into the same trap that doomed them all series: strong starts, no finish, and zero defensive identity.
Aging Stars, No Stoppers — and No Excuses
“They gotta find somebody to cover for LeBron and Luka,” Barkley said.
“They need athletic ability. Period.”
With LeBron turning 41 next season and Luka already battling injuries, Barkley’s words reflect a growing truth: The Lakers are built around two offensive geniuses who need real help behind them.
No center. No wing stoppers. No postseason success.
What’s Next — and Who’s Safe?
LeBron told Anthony Edwards after the loss: “Make that next step now.”
But back in the locker room, he refused to speak about the Lakers’ future.
“No comments. My guy AD said [what he wanted]… and he was gone the next week.”
Now GM Rob Pelinka is under pressure to find not just a center, but a defensive backbone to support LeBron and Luka — or risk wasting whatever they have left.
